FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More action needed to improve vaccine access among seniors – New Report
August 14, 2025 (Burnaby, B.C.) – A new report released today highlights alarmingly low vaccination rates among seniors, pointing to critical gaps in vaccine access for seniors living in congregate settings across B.C. Nationally, less than 40% of seniors are vaccinated against shingles and pneumococcal disease, and under 70% have received the influenza vaccine, falling short of the 80% target set for 2025. Rates in B.C. are even lower, particularly in rural areas and low-income communities.
Titled “Understanding Challenges in Accessing Priority Vaccines for Seniors Living Outside Long-Term Care in British Columbia,” the report by BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) reveals that barriers, such as physical limitations, geographic isolations, policy gaps, misinformation, and cost, prevent many older adults in assisted and independent living from receiving crucial vaccines.
“Seniors are significantly more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases,” says BCCPA CEO, Mary Polak. “Our public health system must do more to remove barriers, especially for those living in community and congregate situations, in order to improve vaccine access and uptake.”
The report outlines systemic issues affecting seniors in congregate living environments (such as assisted living and independent living communities) including:
- Limited access to transportation and complicated appointment systems
- Issues of consent and resident autonomy
- Cost-related barriers and policy inconsistencies
- Generational beliefs about vaccination
- Unequal access across different congregate living settings
- Continued spread of vaccine misinformation
It also identifies the four approaches to improve vaccine uptake among older adults living in assisted living communities – onsite, mobile and extended delivery; system reforms that simplify roles and reduce fragmentation; expanding partnerships with family doctors, pharmacists and operators; and targeted education to build confidence and combat misinformation. These practical approaches are not a financial burden. They highlight the importance of consultation, collaboration, and joint actions to enhance older adults’ access to priority vaccines in B.C.
“National Immunization Awareness Month should motivate all of us to consider systemic issues and work for expanded access,” says Polak. “Partnerships involving the provincial government, family doctors, pharmacists, and seniors care and living operators are needed to implement on-site clinics, mobile services, and extended delivery hours.”
Read the report and supporting materials linked below:
This report has been wholly produced by BCCPA, the leading industry association for B.C.’s seniors living, wellness and care sector. This research would not have been possible without the support of our funder, Pfizer, who provided financial support at arm’s length. The partner that funded the project did not have any control over this report’s findings, content or creation.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Jamie Lozano
Manager, Communications
jamie@bccare.ca
604-736-4233 ext 236
ABOUT BCCPA:
Established in 1977, BCCPA is the unified voice of the seniors living, wellness and care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 500 long-term care, assisted living, and commercial members from across British Columbia. The organization also represents independent living and private-pay home health operators.
